Maldives Signs Defense Pact With China

UPSC Syllabus: GS2/International Relations

Why in the headlines?

The Maldives’ Ministry of Defense has signed a military deal with China This is the initial one time the Maldives has inked such a comprehensive military cooperation pact with China.

Key Points:

The agreement between China and the Republic of Maldives aims to strengthen bilateral ties through military aid funds.
China has provided 12 green ambulances to the Maldives’ Health Ministry.
• During Mr. Muizzu January 2024 state visit to China, the two countries agreed to “elevate” their relations to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership”.

Recent Maldives-India row:

Maldivian ministers’ use of apolitical language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular and Indians in general on pictures shared following PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep is the latest reason behind the recent Maldives-India dispute.
The new government led by President Mohammad Muizzu asked India to withdraw military personnel and chose China for one of its first foreign trips.
President Muizzu of the Maldives request to China during his visit to reclaim the top spot in tourist arrivals, which has been held by India recently.

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#PIC CREDIT- STATISTA

Current government

President Muizzu rose to power through the ‘India Out’ electoral campaign.
The European Union Election Supervision Mission in Maldives said that the ruling coalition attempted to propagate misinformation ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
The Maldives has just opted not to renew the Joint Hydrographic Survey with India in its waters.
The agreement was signed on June 8th, 2019 The strategically crucial agreement enabled India to conduct hydrographic surveys, studies, and maps of the Maldives’ territorial seas, including reefs, lagoons, coastlines, ocean currents, and tide levels.

Historical background:

Pre-colonial relationships: For centuries, trade and cultural interchange between the two regions flourished, creating strong and lasting social links.
The colonial era and independence: Despite colonization (the British colonized the Maldives, the British and Portuguese colonized India), the two countries remained closely connected and supported one another throughout their independence movements.
Post-independence: India forged diplomatic relations following the British surrender of the islands in 1965.
As per the 1976 Maritime Boundary Treaty, Minicoy is acknowledged by the Maldives as an essential component of India.
Although there was previously no diplomatic representation in Male (the Indian High Commission in Colombo handled matters there until 1978), India has had an ambassadorial representative in the islands since 1980.
Following the 2008 democratic transition.

significance of Maldives for India:
Geostrategic Importance:

Location: The Maldives are close to India’s west coast, only 70 nautical miles from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles away.
The Maldives serves as a “toll gate” for roughly half of India’s external trade and 80% of its energy imports, located on key maritime trade routes connecting the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Malacca.
Maldives plays a significant role in India’s maritime security strategy. A stable and friendly Maldives promotes regional security and marine stability, reducing dangers such as piracy and terrorism.
India can counterbalance China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean by establishing a regional balance of power.

Economic and Political Connections:

Economic and political connections include strong cultural and historical ties between the Maldives and India, leading to greater understanding and cooperation.
Economic partnership: India is a major investment and tourism market for the Maldives, with ongoing trade and infrastructure developments.

Advantages:

Collaborating with the Maldives on climate change mitigation and adaptation is vital for both countries, as they are vulnerable.
India invests in Maldives’ security by training their defence personnel to monitor operations in the Indian Ocean
India is estimated to provide about 70% of Maldives’ defence training, either on the islands or at its premier military academies.

Significance of India for Maldives:

India plays a significant role in the Maldives by providing daily necessities such as rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, poultry, medications, and life-saving drugs.
India provides essential infrastructure building materials to the Maldives, including cement and granite boulders.
Maldivians receive their education in India. Because the country has a small population and the islands are scattered and dispersed, there are no significant educational institutions. Every year, Maldivian students attend Indian higher education institutions.
In 2022, India’s exports to the Maldives accounted for Rs 49 crore of the overall commerce between the two countries, indicating economic reliance. India became the Maldives’ second-largest trading partner in 2022
India has been the primary source of disaster relief for the Maldives.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, India sent essential medicines, masks, gloves, PPE kits and vaccines for the island country.
Security provider: When there was a coup attempt in 1988 against the then President Abdul Gayoom, India sent in troops to fight the combatants.

Challenges:

Political instability

Recent political changes in the Maldives might cause uncertainty and hamper long-term collaboration efforts.

Chinese influence

China’s rising economic footprint in the Maldives, including infrastructure investments and debt-trap diplomacy, may pose a risk to India’s regional strategic interests.
The Maldives’ open backing for Chinese naval development in the Indian Ocean raises worries for India.

Security Concerns:

Non-traditional dangers. Piracy, terrorism, and drug trafficking remain major threats in the region, necessitating ongoing collaboration and intelligence sharing between India and the Maldives.
The Maldives faces a security danger from religious extremism and radicalization, which requires coordinated efforts.

Economic and Environmental Concerns:

The trade imbalance between India and the Maldives may lead to animosity and a need for diversifying commercial partnerships.
Climate change and increasing sea levels pose a significant threat to both nations, necessitating collaborative actions for adaptation and protection

Misperception and Communication Gap

Indirect communication between countries might cause misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
Domestic pressure groups or entrenched interests in both nations can inhibit cooperation and cause conflict in relationships.

Overcoming challenges:

Regular and open communication at all levels may resolve problems and establish trust.
Focus on shared interests: Prioritizing areas of marine security, Climate change and economic growth can help to deepen the connection.
Both countries must respect each other’s sovereignty and refrain from interfering in domestic politics.
Cultural exchange programs and educational cooperation can improve interpersonal relationships and build empathy.
To maintain a stable cooperation, India and the Maldives must address internal concerns such as corruption and instability.

Way Ahead:

To reduce tensions, both New Delhi and Male should address each other’s concerns and work together to prioritize mutual interests.
Recognizing and tackling these problems can help India and the Maldives manage challenging situations.

Source: TH